Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise alter drastically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to impact other states that provide controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan expense.

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate betting, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.

The expense also looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wants to remove advertising throughout televised sporting occasions. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to implement.

Will the step pass?

The measure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.